| dc.description.abstract | Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) has been previously studied as a thermoresponsive shape memory polymer (SMP) for numerous biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. We have previously investigated “self-fitting” porous scaffolds of cross-linked PCL-diacrylate (PCL-DA) that exhibited properties suitable for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) defect repair. Herein, in order to broaden scaffold mechanical properties and degradation profiles, the scaffold cross-link density was systematically varied by tuning PCL-DA macromer degree of polymerization (n). A broad range of PCL-DA degrees of polymerization (n = 20, 40, 60 and 70) were synthesized and prepared as porous scaffolds. The percent acrylation of the PCL-DA macromers was confirmed to ensure sufficient cross-linking. The impact of PCL-DA scaffold cross-link density on thermal properties (e.g. crystallinity), mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness and strength), in vitro degradation rate, and % porosity was determined. | en |
